Khumo Red Drift Tyre

I came across to this article at http://www.driftworks.com/articles/khumo-red-smoke-drifting-tyres,6.html

The driver and their technical members tried to show off some creative inventions that will give a red smoke when spin up,Well enjoy the story by Mr. Phil.

Today myself and Brett Castle went to Rockingham to test an experimental tyre for Khumo Tyres. It's a Kumho Estca, but with a difference. Due to some very clever chemical reaction or gypsy voodoo or something, it gives off a red smoke when spun up

There were 6 of these tyres in Europe, and I really wouldn't care to guess exactly how much they currently cost to develop and manufacture in such a small number. Needless to say there are now only 2 of these tyres in Europe, thanks to myself and Brett 'testing' them thoroughly

They are a 280 treadwear rating, and built around Khumo's road legal/track tyre, just for reference, Toyo's very sticky Proxy T1-S has a TWR of 280, so these really do have some traction. They are currently only available in 255/40/17, so we had to fit them on to a set of R33 GTR wheels. Initially in testing we were having massive understeer issues due to the extremely soft compound of these tyres, but once they were worn in a little, things started to come together nicely.

After our short scrubbing session, it was time to do the after lunch Drifting demo for the small invite only crowd. We used the main staight, in the same way you may have seen HKS Europe's S15, Nomura's R34GTT and Kazama's S15, with some very close twin drifting in the baking heat for about 10 minutes, this equates to four dead red tyres, and 140degree oil temperatures, see the flame pictures for proof

We had a great day, and would like to thank the GT Battle guys for arranging it, and Khumo Tyres for inviting us, but also for acknowledging our fantastic sport and pushing forward with new ideas, now let's get those Orange versions under development.

Pictures Courtesy of Glen at GT Battle.